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The Jukun are highly proud of their culture
By HRH Dr. Sabo Azyjidoku Emmanuel
Life is a journey. The journey could start from despair to happiness. This conclusion can sometimes be a wishful thinking. But however, before embarking on a journey of liberation, freedom, one has to have a vision and a mission.
Vision is more of spiritual instinct, while mission is physically metallic. Vision, by this restrictive approach is about the ability to see, conceive an idea or a picture in one’s imagination, a dream or similar experience with great imagination. Any person of great beauty or shows the quality mentioned can be so described as a visionary leader. Mission on the other hand is about a vocation for a group of people doing such a job. They are sometimes referred to as missionaries.
Right. Wanu are on a journey. Hopefully, they have both the vision and the mission. This sole determination, a journey of rediscovering, reuniting, to confront their contemporary challenges of neglect, scheming, marginalization,
annihilation has to be pursued with vigour. It is a struggle to collect what legitimately belongs to them that has been illegitimately taken away from them in Benue State. This is why revanchism is of the essence. To make this achievable, all diplomatic strategies have to be in place. This liberation, freedom desires, will give the people open slather. Most importantly of note is the
people’s identity. That is, who you are. What do you want? What do you really need? Why were you so created to bear this identity of Wanu all around you? It is better to live a fulfilled life than a successful life.
On this redemptive journey, dialogue is key. It opens all areas of disagreement, contention that mitigate workable solutions. At this stage, a lot
have been done in order to bring about a final solution to the lingering disputes between Jukun Wanu and their Tiv neighbors in Benue State. Within constant memories were the various peace advocacies brokered by the Federal Government, the ceaseless peace initiatives offered by both Nasarawa and Taraba States. Regrettably, decisions and recommendations were all swept under the carpets. Besides, the Tribunals and panels of inquiry reports and findings that favour the Jukun people having been thrashed out, were trashed by the Benue State government.
Records, instances of sporadic attacks or violence on the Jukun by the Tiv are also there, for, an inquisitive mind to verify its authenticity. As it is now, the feuds or conflicts between the Tiv and the Jukun are no longer news. Recently,
the Agyogo or Wurukum episode is still fresh in people minds. The Benue State government had since taken side with the Tiv community.
What next? Litigation. Since citizens are permitted, if dissatisfied, can go for litigation and seek for redress in a court of law. The court of law, hopefully shall bail the Jukun people of Benue State out of their present precarious
quandary. It is their inalienable right to legitimate their stay and enjoy all the rights and privileges in the state. That they arrived the Benue trough or valley before the Tiv is an undisputable fact. The documents are there to confirm, if in doubt. If the Jukun people rather become pugnacious and embark on the doctrine or policy of revanchism, how legitimate that could be? For revanchism is all about “a policy of attacking somebody who has attacked you, especially by a country in order to get back land”.
Alternatively, are the Jukun Wanu people rapidly retreating or are already perching on the ivory towers braggadocio they have sadly built for themselves. Just look at this Ostrich, proverbially; who has nowhere to hide due to the large volume of its size that is still outside. Though the head is right there buried in the mud, its full size is still conspicuous and can be seen. How long will the Wanu people continue to be stuck in limbo or live in a fool’s paradise? Whatever a sycophant may be benefitting today, the patriotic Wanu person should consider such a disservice to Wanu land as a mere bite – size. Verily, verily, it takes
wisdom for a pissed, not to enter well. This is a Warner, open and clear.
Living in ivory towers is an illusion, especially, when one comes to think of absolute personal freedom. It is fantasy. It is hallucination. It is not safe. It portends great danger. A puppet tied to a string? Are you still too proud or confident – braggadocio?
Let the Wanu brotherhood rekindle this spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ or ‘Wanuism= Wanu I ya pye’ by caring for each other and promote tolerance and dialogue.
For clarity ‘Ubuntu’, is a South African coined word, a pidgin word, a bestseller philosophy which is synonymy to the Jukun Wanu phrasal expression of ‘Wanuism = Wanu, I ya pye’ a philosophy which both stand for “the idea that
people are not individuals but live in a community and must share things and care for each other. The concept of ‘Ubuntu’ involves deep concern for others and having sound morals’’. The rekindling of the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ or ‘ Wanuism = Wanu, I ya pye’, will restore tolerance and dialogue, in this struggle of revanchism, where living in ivory towers braggadocio by braggarts and their umami delicacies will be handled with great sensitivity and delicacy. One should not live in ivory towers, but contribute to the development of the Jukun community. You do not have to belong to the Ivy League colleges/schools, before making an impact in the socio-politico stratum of the community. It is all about one’s zeal, determination; that burning desire to
revamp, revive this ageing society. All the laudable programs of Jukun Wanu at
hand such as: “I fye nu Wanu,” the litigation process, the strength of unity via
peace advocacy, cultural revival, promoting feminism etc are all important and
should be given the backings in both cash and kind or prayers. Understand that in the theatre of war, the soldiers, the press, the cooks, the medical personnel and even the propagandists are all fighting a just war of revanchism. Therefore, Wanu, cannot pretend to live in ivory towers braggadocio in view of its devastating ripple effects on them.
Generally, life is a journey. And like a relay race, where batons are handed over to others, to complete. It is still a team work. When some are tired some will take over. My dear Jukun Wanu, the journey so far. How is it like? Let the Jukun
Wanu rekindle the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ or ‘Wanuism = Wanu, I yapye,’ and embark on revanchism by collecting the rights and privileges back through diplomacy, dialogue or litigation. Let the people redeem their pride, their image, their identity
and avoid being photogenic. Somebody can be a game changer. Rejig it. Nobody is a reject, suavely.
God, save the people and their land.
Read the Book of Lamentation of the Holy Bible from chapters 1-5 but pay more attention to chapter, 5 verses 1-22 to understand the agonies of a people, a nation under attack. Also heed to the philosophical messages relayed
to humanity by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh on their musical albums titled ‘Survival, equal right and justice’ respectively. So; fight for your right,
Divide and rule could only tear us apart: My apologies to the Muslim brothers and sisters. They can as well read the Holy Bible to understand the message being put across. One can search for knowledge even if it can be found in Sine (China) says, Prophet Muhammad – PBUH… Strategically, Wanu must adopt
the scorched earth policy; in retaliation of revanchism.
Thank you all.
